Methods for making and using crown molding jig device

ABSTRACT

A method is for making a crown molding jig device. The method includes forming first and second V-shaped frames. Each of the first and second V-shaped frames has a vertex portion, and first and second legs extending from the vertex portion. The vertex portions of the first and second V-shaped frames are in a nested arrangement, and the second legs of the first and second V-shaped frames are parallel. The first legs of the first and second V-shaped frames are in a stacked arrangement, and the second legs of the first and second V-shaped frames define a recess. The first leg of the second V-shaped frame defines first and second slots. The method includes coupling first and second adjustable studs to be carried by the first leg of the first V-shaped frame, slidably receiving the coupled first and second adjustable studs into the first and second slots, respectively, so that the recess is adjustable in size, and fastening first and second fastening nuts respectively on the first and second adjustable studs.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of prior filed applicationSer. No. 14/977,029, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,105,865, filed Dec. 21, 2015,which claims priority to Application No. 62/095,603 filed Dec. 22, 2014,the entire subject matter of these applications being incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the field of jig devices, and, moreparticularly, to a crown molding jig device and related methods.

BACKGROUND

In construction, crown molding comprises moldings that are designed togracefully flare out to a finished top edge. Crown molding is generallyused for capping walls, pilasters, and cabinets, and is used extensivelyin the creation of interior and exterior cornice assemblies and door andwindow hoods.

In most applications, crown molding is manufactured in long unfinishedstrips. The material of the crown molding strip is typically a varietyof wood, such as pine. Before installation, the crown molding must becut for placement; in particular, the length of the strip and the angleof the end must be matched to an installation. Also, for cornerinstallations, a companion crown molding strip must be accurately matedwith the end of the first piece. For example, for a 90 degree anglecorner, each crown molding piece must be terminated with a 45 degreeangled edge. Otherwise, the installation may leave an exposed unfinishededge. Of course, to aid in making accurate cuts, a crown molding jigdevice may be used.

SUMMARY

Generally, a crown molding jig device may comprise first and secondframes. Each of the first and second frames may have a vertex portion,and first and second legs extending from the vertex portion. The secondlegs of the first and second frames may define a recess therebetween.The first leg of the second frame may define first and second slots. Thecrown molding jig device may comprise first and second adjustable studscarried by the first leg of the first frame, and being slidably receivedby the first and second slots so that the recess is adjustable in size.Advantageously, the crown molding jig device may be readily sized to alarge variety of crown molding pieces.

In particular, each of the first and second frames may have first andsecond sides with multi-angle surfaces. Each of the first and secondsides may comprise a first edge, a second edge at an acute angle to thefirst edge, and a third edge at an acute angle to the first edge.

In some embodiments, the crown molding jig device may include at leastone spacer block adjacent the first leg of the first frame. The firstand second frames may be positioned in a nested arrangement. The secondframe may have a width less than a width of the first frame, and thesecond frame may have a length less than a length of the first frame.

The first and second adjustable studs may each comprise a threaded stud.The crown molding jig device may include first and second threaded nutsbeing respectively threadingly received by the first and second threadedstuds. The first and second legs of the first frame may define an anglein a range of 25-75 degrees therebetween, and the first and second legsof the second frame may define an angle in a range of 25-75 degreestherebetween. For example, the first and second frames may be V-shaped.

Another aspect is directed to a method for making a crown molding jigdevice. The method may include forming first and second frames, each ofthe first and second frames having a vertex portion, and first andsecond legs extending from the vertex portion. The second legs of thefirst and second frames may define a recess therebetween. The first legof the second frame may define first and second slots. The method mayfurther comprise coupling first and second adjustable studs to becarried by the first leg of the first frame, and to be slidably receivedby the first and second slots so that the recess is adjustable in size.

Yet another aspect is directed to a method for using a crown molding jigdevice. The method may include positioning first and second frames, eachof the first and second frames having a vertex portion, and first andsecond legs extending from the vertex portion. The second legs of thefirst and second frames may define a recess therebetween. The first legof the second frame may define first and second slots. First and secondadjustable studs may be carried by the first leg of the first frame, andbe slidably received by the first and second slots. The method maycomprise positioning a crown molding piece within the recess, andslidably adjusting the second frame with respect to the first frame sothat the recess matches the crown molding piece.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crown molding jig device with firstand second spacer blocks, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the crown molding jig device fromFIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side elevation views of the crown molding jig devicefrom FIG. 1, respectively, with only the first spacer block, and withboth of the first and second spacer blocks.

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the crown molding jig from FIG. 1 withboth of the first and second spacer blocks.

FIG. 6 is a back elevation view of the crown molding jig device fromFIG. 1 with both of the first and second spacer blocks.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the crown molding jig device from FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of the crown molding jig device fromFIG. 1 with both of the first and second spacer blocks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments ofthe disclosure are shown. This present disclosure may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in theart. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a crown molding jig device 10 according to thepresent disclosure is now described. The crown molding jig device 10illustratively includes first and second frames 11, 12. Each of thefirst and second frames 11, 12 has a cross-sectional (i.e. seen from aside, FIGS. 2-4) A-shape/V-shape. In particular, each of the first andsecond frames 11, 12 comprises a vertex portion 27, 21, and first andseconds legs extending outwardly from the vertex portion. The first andsecond legs extend outwardly at an illustrative angle of 45 degrees, butthe angle may comprise any value in the range of 25-75 degrees. Thefirst and second legs of the first frame 11 each have first and secondsides with multi-angle surfaces/edges.

Also, as perhaps best seen in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6, the first frame 11illustratively includes a bottom surface 50 (FIG. 2), the bottom surfacedefining first and second openings (not shown), and a top surface 25(FIG. 6). In particular, each multi-surface edges of the first frame 11comprise a first edge 29 a-29 b, 32 a-32 b, and second 28 a-28 b, 31a-31 b and third 30 a-30 b, 33 a-33 b edges being an angle(illustratively 45 degrees, but the angle may comprise any value in therange of 25-75 degrees) to the first edge.

The crown molding jig device 10 illustratively includes first and secondthreaded studs 15, 16 carried by a distal portion of the first leg ofthe first frame 11, and through the first and second openings of thefirst frame. In some embodiments, the first and second threaded studs15, 16 may be welded to the first frame 11, and there may be noopenings. In other embodiments, the first and second threaded studs 15,16 may comprise other adjustable mechanisms, such as a spring loadedmechanism. Also, the first leg of the second frame 12 defines first andsecond longitudinal slots 19, 20, which receive the first and secondthreaded studs 15, 16. The crown molding jig device 10 illustrativelyincludes first and second nuts 17, 18 threadingly received by the firstand second threaded studs 15, 16, which fix the relation of the secondframe 12 to the first frame 11. In some embodiments, the first andsecond nuts 17, 18 may comprise a hand knob nut, i.e. a threaded screwnut with a knob attachment permitting hand rotation.

The first and second vertex portions 27, 21 define a recess 26therebetween for receiving the crown molding piece. Using the adjustablenature of the first and second nuts 17, 18, a size of the recess 26 canbe readily adjusted to receive and clamp varying sizes of the crownmolding piece by sliding the second frame 12 over the first and secondthreaded studs 15, 16 and along the longitudinal slots 19, 20 (as willbe appreciated, this mechanical fixation must be of sufficient rigidityand strength to permit safe and accurate cutting of the crown moldingpiece with a mechanized saw). The first and second nuts 17, 18 maycomprise an inner radial surface that is threaded. Helpfully, the crownmolding jig device 10 may be able to accommodate large crown moldingpieces readily, unlike crown molding jig devices of the prior art.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3-5, and 8, the crown molding jig device 10illustratively includes first and second spacer blocks 13, 14 below andadjacent to the first frame 11. The first and second spacer blocks 13,14 each has a wedge shape with an outer peripheral edge spanningapproximately (i.e. within +/−15%) α=7 degrees. Although the outerperipheral edges of the first and second spacer blocks 13, 14illustratively span 7 degrees, other embodiments may include other anglevalues. For example, larger or smaller angles can be used to providemore precision in controlling the angle.

In some embodiments, the first and second spacer blocks 13, 14 arecoupled to the first leg of the first frame 11, for example, viaremovable fasteners, such as a threaded screw or an interlockingmechanism. In addition, the second spacer block 14 may comprise aremovable fastener (e.g. threaded screw or an interlocking mechanism)coupling the second spacer block to the first spacer block 13. Also, asperhaps best seen in FIG. 5, the second spacer block 14 illustrativelyincludes a bottom surface 24, the bottom surface defining first andsecond openings 22, 23. The first and second openings 22, 23 receive theremovable fasteners for fixing the second spacer block 14 onto the firstspacer block 13.

In other embodiments, the first and second spacer blocks 13, 14 may beomitted or replaced with another mechanism for adjustably setting anangle of the bottom surface 24. For example, this mechanism may comprisea spring loaded platform.

The crown molding jig device 10 may comprise at least one of thefollowing materials: metal, steel, aluminum, plastic, and polymer.Indeed, any material may be used that has the threshold hardness tosafely hold the crown molding piece in the recess 26 during a cuttingoperation.

In typical use, the first and second frames 11, 12 are spaced apart todefine the recess 26 at its maximum size, and the crown molding piece isplaced in the recess 26. The second frame 12 is adjustably positioned toabut and clamp the crown molding piece in the recess 26. The first andsecond nuts 17, 18 are then tightened to lock the second frame 12 andthe crown molding piece in place. Subsequently, the first and secondspacer blocks 13, 14 are used to adjustably change the angle the crownmolding piece retained in the recess 26. The first and second spacerblocks 13, 14 can be used individually, such as depicted in FIG. 3, orin combination, such as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 8. Indeed, in someapplications, the first and second spacer blocks 13, 14 may not be usedat all. In particular, when the crown molding jig device 10 is beingused, the user will select cutting angle based upon the desiredinstallation and will use the first and second spacer blocks 13, 14 toset the desired cutting angle. Once the desired cutting angle is set,the user may use a typical saw device to cut the crown molding piece.

Also, as noted above, the second frame 12 will be adjusted to firmlyretain (i.e. clamp down on) the crown molding piece within the recess26. Advantageously, the crown molding jig device 10 may readily be usedwith thick crown molding strips. Furthermore, the multi-surface edges ofthe first frame 11 permit the user to make the prescribed cuts atmultiple angles, thereby reducing assembly time and reducing the risk ofthe saw device damaging the crown molding jig device 10.

Another aspect is directed to a method for making the crown molding jigdevice 10. The method comprises forming first and second frames 11, 12,the second frame comprising first and second longitudinal slots 19, 20.The method may comprise coupling together the first and second frames11, 12 with first and second threaded studs 15, 16 extending through thelongitudinal slots 19, 20, and first and second nuts 17, 18.

Another aspect is directed to a method for using a crown molding jigdevice 10 to cut a crown molding piece. The method making positioningfirst and second frames 11, 12, the second frame comprising first andsecond longitudinal slots 19, 20. The positioning may comprise couplingtogether the first and second frames 11, 12 with first and secondthreaded studs 15, 16 extending through the longitudinal slots 19, 20,and first and second nuts 17, 18. The positioning may comprise fitting acrown molding piece in a recess 26 defined between the first and secondframes 11, 12, and/or using first and second spacer blocks 13, 14adjacent the first frame to set a desired cutting angle.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure willcome to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Therefore, it is understood that the present disclosure is notto be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and thatmodifications and embodiments are intended to be included within thescope of this disclosure.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A method for making a crown molding jigdevice, the method comprising: forming first and second V-shaped frames,each of the first and second V-shaped frames having a vertex portion,and first and second legs extending from the vertex portion; the vertexportions of the first and second V-shaped frames being in a nestedarrangement, the second legs of the first and second V-shaped framesbeing parallel; the first legs of the first and second V-shaped framesbeing in a stacked arrangement; the second legs of the first and secondV-shaped frames defining a recess therebetween; the first leg of thesecond V-shaped frame defining first and second slots; coupling firstand second adjustable studs to be carried by the first leg of the firstV-shaped frame; slidably receiving the coupled first and secondadjustable studs into the first and second slots, respectively, so thatthe recess is adjustable in size; and fastening first and secondfastening nuts respectively on the first and second adjustable studs. 2.The method of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second V-shapedframes has first and second sides with multi-angle surfaces.
 3. Themethod of claim 2 wherein each of the first and second sides comprises afirst edge, a second edge at an acute angle to the first edge, and athird edge at an acute angle to the first edge.
 4. The method of claim 1further comprising positioning at least one spacer block adjacent thefirst leg of the first V-shaped frame.
 5. The method of claim 1 whereinthe first and second V-shaped frames are positioned in a nestedarrangement.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the second V-shaped framehas a width less than a width of the first V-shaped frame; and whereinthe second V-shaped frame has a length less than a length of the firstV-shaped frame.
 7. A method for using a crown molding jig device, themethod comprising: positioning first and second V-shaped frames, each ofthe first and second V-shaped frames having a vertex portion, and firstand second legs extending from the vertex portion; the vertex portionsof the first and second V-shaped frames being in a nested arrangement,the second legs of the first and second V-shaped frames being parallel;the first legs of the first and second V-shaped frames being in astacked arrangement; the second legs of the first and second V-shapedframes defining a recess therebetween; the first leg of the secondV-shaped frame defining first and second slots; first and secondadjustable studs being carried by the first leg of the first V-shapedframe, and being slidably received by the first and second slots;positioning a crown molding piece within the recess; slidably adjustingthe second V-shaped frame with respect to the first V-shaped frame sothat the recess matches the crown molding piece; and fastening first andsecond fastening nuts respectively on the first and second adjustablestuds.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein each of the first and secondV-shaped frames has first and second sides with multi-angle surfaces. 9.The method of claim 8 wherein each of the first and second sidescomprises a first edge, a second edge at an acute angle to the firstedge, and a third edge at an acute angle to the first edge.
 10. Themethod of claim 7 further comprising positioning at least one spacerblock adjacent the first leg of the first V-shaped frame.
 11. The methodof claim 7 wherein the first and second V-shaped frames are positionedin a nested arrangement.